2019 REASONS TO BE INSPIRED

Being visually challenged was never a setback, I was always aware of my ‘disability’, but it was never a barrier to achieve my goals. The idea of preparing for UPSC examinations came to me in an atypical fashion: I was watching a movie and something clicked in my head.

After getting deeper insight from teachers, my objective only became clearer and stronger. My family, especially my grandfather, always supported my dreams. Although they were shocked and hesitant at first, my determination made them believe in me. After my graduating from a college in Palanpur, I came to Ahmedabad to prepare for UPSC. Sometime later, I met ‘Dadu’ (my secret benefactor who does not wish to be identified), who came into my life as a saviour. He solved all my problems, aided me financially and provided accommodation to facilitate my studies.

I have appeared for UPSC twice, but missed my chance by a whisker, but this hasn’t shaken my will. I shall continue studying and appear for the UPSC exams this year.

I feel nothing is impossible if you want it to happen. It’s your willingness that rewards you in the end.

Paralysis, cancer, loss of vision no deterrence

Bhupendra TripathiManager, RBI GujaratI was a bit muddled during kindergarten and was politely asked by my school principal to leave. My mom, who always believed I was made to serve a greater purpose, lifted me out of the fear of going to school. She inspired me to become a brilliant student and an excellent employee. I got a paralytic attack in the final stages of cancer. Once I won that battle, I lost my eyesight. Coincidently, I met another visually challenged person who inspired me. Then it was the head and faculty of Blind People’s Association who made me realise I had lost my eyesight, not my brain! In 2015, I became a manager at RBI Gujarat. This is when I realised that when you sow seeds of positivity, no matter how bad the weather is, the harvest will be bountiful. The universe starts supporting you. The perception that the abled are 100 per cent independent is false as every individual is interdependent. Employers and teachers should learn from the Pygmalion effect and shouldn’t expect mediocrity from their differently-abled employees and students, and empower them.

Beating Cerebral Palsy

Parth RavalBBA studentSuffering from 80% cerebral palsy has not deterred me from pursuing BBA degree from NRBBA College. Recently, I secured 69 per cent in my first semester. I use my legs to read books and use a cell phone since I cannot use my hands. I face speech problem which makes it difficult for me to explain myself, but my parents, college teachers and friends have never let it come in my way. I owe everything to my parents and their belief in me. All my basic needs including bathing, food and water are taken care of by my mother. I am grateful to them for helping me fulfil my passion.

My mother Shobha accompanies me to college every day, where I attend lectures on a wheelchair. I studied in Gujarati medium but changing to English medium has not hampered my progress, and I have never failed in an exam.

His mother said, “He has a quick mind. He studied in a municipal school in Mehsana till Class 5. We enrolled him in a normal school from Class 6. He secured 48% in Class X and 62% in Arts in Class XII. He is moved by kindness society shows towards him.”

Helping youth enter real worldJohn Jacob FernandesFootball coach Ihave observed students struggle when they venture into the real world. Adapting to harsh reality is always a task and I believe playing a sport helps us withstand and overcome challenges. I want my students to become tough and enduring. I began my coaching career at BJ Medical College, where I trained students for 7 years before moving to St Xavier’s College, where I’ve been coaching for 29 years. Money has never been my driving force, I earn enough from my banking job.

Football and my students whom I coach are the only reasons I train for free. I want them to become better persons before anything else. I leave for work at 6.30 am, get free at 4.30 pm. After that, I go home, freshen up and leave for football practice that lasts till 8 pm.

I am thankful to all my students who have made me proud. Some have earned good jobs in RBI, Police, Army and government in the sports quota, while one of my students has played for India in the junior category.

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